Sorry for a whole post about this, but anyways.
Just came back from our checkup and baby boy is doing really well.
Mommy on the other hand, not so much, apparently.
I have super high blood pressure and doc wants me to monitor over this week and send in results.
If not better, he will either admit me for 48 hours or until baby comes. The latter is obviously the least favourable of the two.
Any positive stories about blood pressure that was only a false alarm or that turned around. Any tips to get it down?
Stress is not going to help me so need some positive vibes ladies.
Re: High Blood Pressure - Talk me down please :)
By partway through my third tri with DS, I had noticeably higher blood pressure than my usual (130s-40s/80s vs 112/70 which I usually am like clockwork). I had to monitor my urine for protein daily with ketone strips and take my bp biweekly, but since I wasn't spilling protein, getting headaches, seeing spots, etc. I wasn't hospitalized and it didn't impact my pregnancy. It also went down to normal within a day or two of DS's birth.
Have confidence in being monitored, and know that even if it requires a hospital stay, your doctor is being proactive about your health in addition to your baby's health. In the meantime, be sure to stay well-hydrated, rest when you can and do light exercise when you can. Also, try to be aware of stress-triggers and do what you can to minimize them.
I agree with @kbrands7, be thankful they are monitoring it and being proactive. But please know that just because it was high at your appointment does not mean there is necessarily an issue.
This is the first it was ever high - very laid back normally. But it can defs be a once-off, I am kind of hoping for that!
I am thankful that they are being proactive and that baby is fine. Will also take it slow this week at work. Thanks for your feedback so far, making me feel better about it!
I totally get the anxiety about it though! I got a monitor for home and ended up taking it back because it was reading about 20 points higher than my medical grade ones at my work read.
And people saying stay calm just makes mine go up more...as if I don't know.
Hope things go better at your next visit!
Is medication an option for you rather than just immediate hospitalization? My OB put me on 200 mg of Labetalol twice a day. Medication is not the end of the world, especially if it can keep you out of the hospital. The medication keeps my BP very low at home, almost uncomfortably so sometimes, but it has no impact on it when I'm at the OB's office.
My perinatologist works with many women with high BP and the staff always takes 2 readings. One at the beginning and another mid ultrasound because you're so distracted by the baby. Even if women have a high initial reading, they never alarm you with the news. They just say nothing and come back for a second reading later. I've never left with an elevated reading from this office. Perhaps your OB could do this for you?
Also, when at home, lay on your left side. My mom was admitted for Toxemia with me and they kept her in this position constantly. When I feel my BP going up, I move to this position and I've seen it bring down my BP 20 points or more in relatively short time. I sleep almost exclusively in this position.
Hang in there, high BP happens.
If you're not spilling proteins you might just receive extra monitoring, which isn't a bad thing. I have monthly (soon to be biweekly and then weekly) biophysical profiles (BPPs) to make sure the baby is growing and fluid levels are where they should be. I know you're not the U.S. so maybe the protocol is hospitalization there? If you don't mind sharing, how high was your blood pressure?
I saw my docs weekly and was given NSTs regularly as well. Was in and out of the hospital for monitoring but never admitted. It's very scary but sounds like you have good people working with you! I was on bed rest for a while too but that didn't help much for me so we finally decided to induce at 38 weeks. My son is now a happy and healthy (and extremely energetic!) 21 month old.
The first/top number is an indicator of stress. The bottom number is what is most concerning I was always told. Do everything you can to stay relaxed and the less activity at home and work the better. Good luck!
@Jparke2, have an appointment this morning and will be thinking of you when the nurse inevitably makes her "High again..." comment and redoes my bp 20 seconds after she first took it. (Because 20 seconds, that'll fix everything!) Hope you're well twinsie!